In Short : Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) has notified the Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems Regulation, 2025, introducing consumer-friendly and flexible net metering models. With higher capacity limits, multiple metering options, financial incentives, and technical safety standards, the regulation aims to boost rooftop solar adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, advancing the state’s renewable energy targets sustainably.
In Detail : The Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) has unveiled the Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems Regulation, 2025, replacing the 2016 framework. This new regulation is designed to create a more comprehensive, consumer-centric policy environment, aimed at accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy across the State and addressing growing electricity demands sustainably.
Telangana faces constraints in land availability for large-scale solar projects, making rooftop solar a critical component of its renewable energy strategy. Despite past leadership in overall renewable capacity additions, the State has lagged in rooftop solar adoption. The 2025 regulation seeks to unlock untapped rooftop potential across residential, commercial, and industrial segments.
Key highlights of the regulation include flexible metering options such as Net Metering, Gross Metering, Group Net Metering, and Virtual Net Metering. These diversified options allow consumers with varying electricity usage patterns, ownership structures, and space constraints to actively participate in solar energy generation.
Significant enhancements in capacity limits have been introduced. Consumers can now install rooftop solar systems up to 500 kWp under net metering and up to 1 MWp under gross metering. This enables large commercial, industrial, and residential complexes to generate substantial power onsite, reducing electricity costs and carbon footprints.
The regulation ensures transparency and ease of implementation by mandating approvals on a first-come, first-served basis. Specified timelines for application processing, technical feasibility assessments, and grid interconnection reduce administrative delays and provide certainty for solar developers and consumers.
Financial clarity has been a central focus, with exemptions from banking charges, wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharges, and additional levies under certain metering arrangements. The regulation also standardizes tariffs for surplus energy exported to the grid, providing predictable and fair compensation to rooftop solar consumers.
Technical and safety standards have been strengthened in line with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) norms. Rooftop systems must use compliant inverters with automatic synchronisation and anti-islanding features. Installations above 56 kWp require certification from the Chief Electrical Inspector, ensuring safety and grid stability.
Consumer convenience is emphasized through dedicated DISCOM nodal officers, streamlined application procedures, and standardized connection agreements. Provisions for compensation in case of undue delays by distribution licensees reinforce accountability and the regulation’s pro-consumer approach.
The regulation supports Telangana’s renewable energy goals by allowing rooftop solar generation to contribute to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and encouraging participation of third-party developers. Combined with central and state incentives, the Rooftop Solar Regulation 2025 marks a significant step toward decentralised, sustainable, and consumer-empowered clean energy generation in the State.
